Box making machine



June 6, 1933. c. F. BROWN BOX MAKING MACHINE Filed April 4, 1930 8Sheets-Sheet l WMMW June 6, 1933- c. F. BROWN BOX MAKING MACHINE 8Sheets-Sheet 2 JYqQr/ZVT Iva/id,

I I'- W a Shets-Sheet s C. F. BROWN BOX MAKING MACHINE Filed April 4,1930 June 6, 1933.

o Hm June 6, 1933. c. F. BROWN 5 BOX MAKING MACHINE Filed April 4, 19508 Sheets-Sheet 4 June 6, 1933. c. F. BROWN BOX MAKING MACHINE FiledApril 4, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Q N m- June 6, 1933. c BROWN BOX MAKINGMACHINE s sheets-sheet 6 Filed April 4, 1950 June 6, 1933. c. F. BROWNBOX MAKING MACHINE Filed April 4, 71930 a Sheets-Sheet 7 June 6, 1933- cF, BROWN 1,912,565

BOX MAKING MACHINE Filed April 4, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Patented June 6,1933 UNITED STATES,

PATENT OFFICE CLAUDE F. BROWN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO BROWNPiLPER GOODS M- PANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOISBox Maxine macaw]:

Application filed April 4, 1830. Serial No. 441,454.

a It is an object of the invention to create a new and improved machineof this character which quickly and eiiiciently performs all of theoperative steps necessary to gum, fold and form a blank into a box andto eject said box from the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine capable ofautomatically producing a collapsed box in which the vertical walls ofthe box overlie the bottom of the box.

Still another object is to provide a novel blank folding instrumentalityadapted to produce a box of the character described in the foregoingobject.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel blank foldingand box-collapsing device which is continuously operative upon asuccession of blanks fed thereto, in which the box collapsing meansmaintains a continuous operative engagement with the collapsed box anddelivers said box to the discharging means without releasing saidengagement, and which applies continuous pressure upon the collapsed boxto hold the adhesively secured parts against separation until thecompleted article is discharged into the receiving magazine.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of cooperatingblank folding and box-collapsing mechanisms by which predetermined partsof the blank are adhesively secured together, which mechanisms includesynchronized rotating cam members.

In connection with the foregoing, another object is to providecontinuous means for collapsing the box, in the form of a plurality ofunitary structures, each comprising a continuous rotating collapsing camand discharge worm.

Still another object is to provide a novel machine in which the blanksmove in one direction during the feeding movement thereof; in adifferent direction at an angle to the feeding direction during the boxforming operation; and uninterruptedly continue the movement in the lastmentioned direction to discharge from the machine.

Another object resides in the provision of various adjustments by whichthe machine as a. Whole can be easily and quickly adapted for operationon blanks of different sizes and shapes within the limits of themachine.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent in the followingdescription and from the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a box forming machine embodying theinvention.

Fig. 2 is a plan View thereof with parts of the driving mechanismomitted to clarify the view.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section through the machine taken substantiallyon the line 33 of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary transverse section through the machine on anenlarged scale and is taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a sectional plan view showing the synchronized drive for thebox collapsing mechanism and the adjustment means therefor as seen fromthe line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a perspective somewhat diagrammatic view of the driving andadjusting means for the box collapsing and discharging me hanisms.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectiontakcn substantiallyon the line 7-7 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged longitudinal section showing in detail the blankfolding and box collapsing mechanisms, one of the rotary cams being alsosectional. substantially on the line 8-8 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a box formed by the machine.

Figs. 10 to 14, inclusive, show box blanks in succeeding steps offormation. Thus, Fig. 10 shows a flat. scored blank after theapplication of adhesive thereto.

Figs. 11 and 12 show succeeding steps in folding the box blank.

Fig. 13 shows somewhat diagrammatically the box collapsing operation.

Fig. 14 illustrates a complete collapsed box after discharge thereoffrom the machine.

Broadly considered, the invention contemplates a machine organizationadapted to perform a series of operations upon paper blanks fedsuccessively thereto. The machine produces a complete box, the shape andsize of which is determined, of course, by the formation of the blanks.The boxes are discharged one by one from the machine in collapsedcondition ready for convenient packing. The machine features theproduction of a collapsed box wherein the vertical side and end wallsthereof are collapsed directly over to lie substantially fiat andadjacent to the bottom of the box entirely within the area of thebottom.

The present machine will be described as operating upon a blank 20 ofparticular form and shape. Such a blank is shown clearly in Fig. 10 ascomprising a regularly shaped sheet of paper stock or card-board ofsuitable weight. The blank, previous to the entry thereof into themachine proper, is provided with longitudinal scores A along each sideedge and with transverse scores B along each end edge. The scores A andB are spaced inwardly of the sides and ends of the blank a distanceequal to the depth of the box to be formed and designate respectivelythe side flaps C, the end flaps D, and together define the edges of thebox bottom E.

At each corner, the scores A and B intersect and a triangular portion ofthe blank, defined by the side scores A and a line running diagonallyfrom the corner of the blank to the point of intersection, is cut outleaving a trian ularly shaped tab F at each end of the side aps C. Theend flaps D are provided with angularly disposed scores G which extendfrom the points of intersection of the scores A and B to pointsintermediate the outer edges of the end flaps, thereby setting apartportions D which are similar in shape and equal in area to the tabs F.-The purposes of each of the scores and of the tabs will become apparentas the description proceeds.

General machine ongam'zation Considering the machine as a whole, thevarious mechanisms thereof are mounted on and supported by a frame ofany suitable construction. As illustrated (see Figs. 1, 2 and 3), thepresent frame comprises a base 21 having vertically rising standards 22at each side thereof, which, at their upper ends, supportlongitudinally-extending, transverselyspaoed, side frame members 23. Thepair of standards, at the discharge or rear end of the machine, have arearwardly extending, integrally formed section 22 adjacent the members23 which support certain driving elements as will become apparent.Transverse members extend between the side frame members to strengthenthe frame but, since various operating mechanisms are supported by saidmembers, they will be more particularly referred to in connection withsaid mechanisms.

At one end of the machine (the left end in F gure 3) is a blank supplymagazine and feedlng device, generally indicated as 24, by which theblanks are fed in succession onto the bed of the machine. At spacedintervals, the blanks are engaged by conveying means, such as endlesschains 25, which propel the blanks across the machine bed. As the blanksmove, they first pass a gumming or adhesive applying device 26, whichapplies adhesive to the portions D of the blank, and then a preliminaryfolding mechanism 27 which turns the end flaps D and tabs F upwardly onthe lines of the scores B.

The conveyor means is subsequently supplanted by an auxiliary conveyor28 which moves the blank into the folding mechanism 29. At this pointthe blanks are adjusted to proper position relative to the foldingmechanism, which mechanism then acts upon the blank to move it in adirection angular with respect to the line of movement thereof acrossthe bed and at the same time turns the side flaps C upwardly. The blankthereupon assumes the form of a box, accurately positioned guide membershaving, during LllS operation, produced the proper relationship of theparts of the blank which are to be secured together by the previouslyapplied adhesive.

Immediately following the formation of the box, the blank is engaged bya box collapsing mechanism, generally indicated at 30, which first holdsthe blank during the release thereof by the folding mechanism 29, andthen acts to move the side and end flaps inwardly of and downwardly withrespect to the bottom of the box. This action is simultaneously effectedon the sides and ends and is so synchronized that the abutting relationof the parts to be adhesively secured is maintained without relativemovement there between during the collapsing movement.

The collapsing movement is also effective to apply a positive force tothe adhesive junctures causing them to adhere, which force is at no timereleased as the blank is fed in the direction in which the blank movesas it is folded. A discharge device 31, which is so closely associatedwith the collapsing mechanism as to substantially constitute a partthereof, receives the collapsed box from the collapsing mechanism, and,while maintaining pressure on the adhesively secured parts, conveys saidbox to discharge into a receiving magazine 32. Suitable drivingconnections between a main drive shaft 33, journalled in the frame, andthe various operating instrumentalities produce a synchronized operationthereof on each blank as it moves rapidly and smoothly through themachine.

The blank feeding mechanism l 0 The blank feeding mechanism may be ofany suitable construction and arrangement of parts capable ofuninterruptedly supplying a succession of blanks to the machine inspaced relation, with one side edge of each blank foremost.

A preferred form of mechanism is shown in Figs. 2 and 3 as comprising amagazine 34 supported on a rigid cross piece 34 extending rigidlybetween the side frame members 23 at one end thereof. The bottom of themagazine is disposed at an angle to the horizontal so that the uppermostof a stack of blanks 20, positioned therein, tends to slide toward thebed of the machine. At the front of themagazine is a feed roll 35rotatable with a driven shaft 36 journalled in the frame members 23 andhaving thereon a number of circumferentially alined blank engagingmembers 37, such as rubber feet projecting beyond the surface of theroll.

Substantially beneath the feed roll is an adjustable mouthpiece or guideplate for the magazine comprising preferably a flat plate 38 supportedwith the upper surface thereof flush with the bottom of the magazine andextending adjacent and substantially tangential to the periphery of thefeed roll. The plate is pivotally secured as at 39 at its upper side toa bracket 40 carried upon a transverse rod 41 rigidly secured betweenthe side frame members 23. An adjusting screw 42 on the bracket engagesthe lower surface of the plate 38 to vary the position of the platerelative to the feed roll.

In consequence, when the plate is adjusted for a desired thickness ofstock and a supply of blanks positioned in the magazine, the rotation ofthe feed roll moves the feet 37 into engagement with the-upper surfaceofthe foremost blank and expels it from the magazine between the feed rolland the mouthpiece plate 38.

The blank conmeying means As the blank is ejected from the magazine,

it is guided to a position for engagement by the endless feed chains 25which move the blank across the bed of the machine.

The machine bed may be of any suitable character which presents a flatsurface over which the blank may slide easily. In the present machine,the bed (as may best be seen in Figs. 2, 3 and 7) comprises a pair ofelongated, substantially L-shaped rails 43 ar- 65' ranged to extend inspaced, parallel relation longitudinally of the machine intermediate theside frame members. The rails are so disposed that similar legs 44 ofthe rails lie in the same horizontal plane to define the top surface ofthe bed, with the other leg of each rail extending downwardly therefrom.Eachof the rails is provided with longitudinally spaced bearings 45secured thereto beneath the top leg 44, which bearings slidingly engagetransversely-extending framesupporting rods 46, 46 extending between theside frame members 23.

- The rods 46, 46 support the bed rails in the machine but permitrelative lateral movement thereof to permit adjustment of the bed forblanks of diflerent sizes. To this end, elongated screws 47 arerotatably journalled in bearings 48 in the side frame members, collars49 being provided on either side of the hearings to prevent axialmovement of the screws relative thereto. The screws extend inwardly ofthe machine frame in substantial parallelism to the bed supporting rods46 and have screw threaded engagement with nuts 50 rigid with the bedrails. The outer end of each screw projects through its bearing 48beyond the respective side frame member and is squared, as at 51, toreceive a wrench. By turning the screws the bed rails may be movedlaterally to vary the distance therebetween and thus adjust the bed ofthe machine for different classes of work.

In this instance, two of the screws 47 have been shown for adjustin eachof the bed rails. In order that per ect relative alinement of the railsmay be maintained, means is provided for turning the screws for eachrail in unison; Referring to Figs. 2 and 7, each screw carries asprocket 52 rigid there with. The sprockets on each side are alinedlongitudinally of the machine and a chain 53 passes about the alinedsprockets. Thus, uniform adjustment of each bed rail may be produced byrotating the proper one of the screws on either side.

Each of the upper surfaces of the top legs 44 of the bed rails isrecessed, as at 44 (Fig. 7), near the adjacent edges thereof, to provide a longitudinally extending channel or guideway slidingly to receiveand sup ort the feed chains 25. The chains are endless and aresupported, at one end of their run, by sprockets 54 (Figs. 2 and 3)axially splined on a driven shaft 55 journalled in the side framemembers 23 beneath and in therewith. The sprockets 56 are also suitablymounted for movement with said rails.

Each of the chains carry a plurality of spaced fingers 58 thereonprojecting outwardly to engage the rear sides of successive blanks,corresponding fingers on the two chains being arranged in pairssimultaneously to en age said blanks and convey them rearwar ly acrossthe bed. of the machine.

The proper positioning of each blank relative tothe bed of the machine,as said blank issues from the magazine, is accurately determined byguide means, such as the opposed L-shaped guides 59 (Fig. 2) extendingforwardly from the front end of the bed to such position beneath thefeed roll 35 that they guidingly receive the ends of the blank as itfeeds from the magazine.

Other guide means is provided for engaging the upper surface of theblank, which guide means extends the length of the bed and serves tohold the blank closely against the feed fingers during the movement ofthe blank thereby. Thus, a transverse bar 60, supported from the sideframe members, carrles a pair of spaced downwardly extending brackets61, to each of which a narrow elongated guide member or strip 62 issecured. The strips are positioned in such vertically spaced relation tothe bed that a blank may pass therebetween but the upper surface of saidblank will be engaged by the strips which act as a drag upon the blankto hold the blank against the feed fingers.

The brackets 61 are suitably adjustable longitudinally of the transversebar 60 and the preferred position of the strips 62 relative to the blankis such that the strips engage the blank intermediate the outer ends ofthe blank and the adjacent feed fingers. Moreover, for a purpose whichwill hereinafter become apparent, the outer edge of each strip 62 issubstantially in registry with the adjacent end score B. Generally, thefront ends of the guide strips 62 will be .turned upwardly as at 63adjacent the magazine to insure passage of the blank therebeneath.

The space between the bed rails 43 is closed by a fiat plate 64supported by the rods 46 and 46*, the upper surface of which lies in theplane of the top leg 44 of the guide rails. The plate supports thecentral section of the blank during its passage across the bed.

The gumming mechanism The gumming or adhesive applying mechanism 26 isso synchronized with the movement of the feed blank that adhesive isapplied to the triangularly shaped surfaces D (Fig. 10) of the blank asthe blank moves beneath the gumming mechanism. As shown in Figs. 2 and3, a driven shaft 65 is rotatably journalled in bearings 66 on the sideframe members 23. The shaft 65 carries a doubleend gum applyingconstruction comprising a pair of spaced collars 67, each of whichcarries a pair of radially extending legs 68 having arcuately shapedgum-applying segments 69 at the outer ends thereof. The gumapplyingsegments 69 are triangular in shape and the arrangement of parts andsynchronism of the moving elements is such that, as the blank is movedbeneath the gummer by the feed chains, the gum-applying segments 69successively engage the triangularly shaped sections D of the end flapsof the blank to apply gum thereto.

Gum is supplied to the segments 69 in any suitable manner, as by agum-applying roll 70 mounted for rotation with a driven shaft 71. Oneside of the roll is immersed in a supply of gum contained in a reservoir72 and an adjustable wiper 73 determines the amount of gum carried fromthe reservoir by the roll. The periphery of the roll is adapted to beengaged by the outer face of the segments 69 during the rotationthereof, which segments thereby receive a supply of gum for the nextblank.

The preliminary folding mechanism The purpose of the preliminary foldingmechanism 27 is to turn the end flaps D and tabs F upwardly with respectto the blank along the scores B prior to the delivery of the blanks tothe folding mechanism 29. Any instrumentality which will accomplish thispurpose is suitable and the preferred mechanism is illustrated ascomprising a pair of elongated cam members 74 (Figs. 2, 3 and 7) securedupon the top legs 44 upon the bed rails 43.

The cam members have cam surfaces thereon disposed to engage the undersides of the tabs and end flaps of the blank as the blank moves from thegumming mechanism. From this point, the cam surfaces rise or slope gently upwardly at their outer sides to fold the tabs and end flaps alongthe lines of the scores B. Preferably, in order to break the foldsthoroughly so that the tabs and flaps will retain a substantiallyVertical position when released by the cams, the cam surfaces at theirintermediate points are arranged to overturn the flaps a substantialdistance, as indicated at 75 (Fig. 7). Subsequently, the slopes of thecam surfaces return to a vertical position to hold the tabs and flapsupright and these vertical surfaces continue substantially to the end ofthe bed of the machine.

The outer sides of the longitudinally extending guide strips 62 adjacentthe folding portions of the cams 74 are beveled to provide a relativelysharp marginal edge bearing down upon the surface of the blank adjacenteach of the scores B, thereby positively insuring that the blank will befolded along the lines of the scores.

In consequence of this arrangement, as the blank reaches the end of thebed, the end flaps and tabs are vertical with res ect to.

the rest of the blank, in which condition the blank is delivered to thefolding mechanism 5 29.

Preferably, auxiliary feed means, traveling at a higher rate of speedthan the feed chains, is provided in order to deliver the blank to thefoldin mechanism. This means (see Figs. 2, 3 an 7) comprises an endlessbelt 76 extending in the direction of travel of the feed chains 25 anddisposed substantially therebetween. The upper run of the belt 76 movesin an aperture 76 formed in the center bed plate 64 so as to be flushwith the top surface of the bed and is carried at one end by a drivenpulley 77 mounted for rotation on the rod 46. The other end of the beltturns about an idler pulley 78 rotatable on a short transverse shaft 79supported from the center bed plate 64. I

Immediately above the auxiliaryfeed belt 76 is a series oflongitudinally alined weight members in the form of rollers 80 arrangedto engage the upper surface of the blank and to hold the blank firmlybut yieldably against the auxiliary feed belt. The rollers 80 arejournalled for rotation between a pair of spaced brackets 81' which arepivotally su pended from a transverse support 82. The pivotal mountingof the rollers permits them to be withdrawn if for any purpose itbecomes necessary to obtain access to the blank at this position. Eachof the rollers preferably has individual vertical movement as mitted bythe bearing slots 83 in the brackets 81 to allow a limited verticalmovement of the roller as the advancing edge of the blank passesthereunder.-

It is preferred that the end of the central bed plate 64, which includesthe aperture 7 6, be formed as a separate section 84 (Fig. 2). Thissection 84 is substantially T-shaped in form to provide laterallyextending portions 85 for supporting the blank as it passes beyond theends of the rails 43 of the bed. Brackets 86 (see Fig. 7) on thetransverse rod 46 support the section 84 in place.

The folding mechanism Generally, the blank folding mechanism compriseswhat may be termed a plunger folder; that is, the blank as it isdelivered to the mechanism is adjusted accurately to overlie an aperturewhich, as far as the size of the blank is concerned, is precisely thewidth of the bottom portion E of the blank. A downwardly moving plungerdevice engages the bottom portion of the adjusted blank and, movingtheblank bodily through the aperture, folds the side flaps C upwardlyalong the line of the scores A.

The plunger mechanism is best illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8. Theside frame members 23 support therebetween a substanpertiallyrectangularly shaped frame 87 (Fig. 4) which is spaced rearwardly of themachine a short distance from the end of the bed. The frame provides alower overarm 88 which extends directlybetween the side framemembers 23and an upper overarm 89 paralleling the lower overarm.

The lower overarm 88 carries a pair of spaced depending brackets 90which support an L-shaped guide 91 therebetween for rocking movementrelative thereto on transversely alined pivots 92. The ide 91 isdisposed with one leg thereof horizontal substantially in the plane ofthe bed and with the other leg extending upwardly from the rear side ofthe horizontal le The guide 91 receives the afvancing side of the blankas it moves into the folding mechanism and a pair of spaced stops 93(Fig. 8) engage the front end of the blank to determine the positionthereof relative to the front edge of the horizontal leg of the guide.

The stops 93 are. capable of adjustment toward and from the front of theguide in any suitable manner, as by screws 94 carried by the stops andhaving screw threaded engagement with stationary arms 95 on the guide.

The pivotal mountin of the guide 91 is for the purpose of of the guideto be depressed as the blank moves into engagement therewith, therebyinsuring that the blank will be received. upon the (ppper surface of thehorizontal leg of the gm e.

This pivotal or rocking movement of the guide is preferably cam actuated(see Figs. 4 and 8) by a cam 91 rigidly mounted upon a driven shaft 118(the character and purpose of which will be presently described). A camfollower 91 carried upon a yoke 91 pivotally connected to the guide 91has an permitting the front edge adjustable bolt and slot connection 91with the yoke. Gravity holds the cam follower against the cam surface.

The relationship and timed action of the parts is such that, as theleading edge of the blank moves beneath the plunger, the forward edge ofthe guide 91 is depressed or lowered out of the path of movement of theblank. Hence, even if the blank bows or bends somewhat while the leadingedge is unsupported, the blank moves uninterruptedly into position. Assoon as the leading edge of the blank has moved to an overlying positionrelative to the guide, the cam 91, through the intermediate cam followerand linkage, raises the guide 91 to its normal osition where it supportsthe leading side ap of the blank during the folding operation.

The guide is spaced rearwardly of the end of the bed a distance which isequal to the distance between the side scores A on the blank (see Fig.8). This spaced relation between the front edge of the guide and therear edge of the bed is capable of longitudinal adjustment in anysuitable manner as by providing an adjustable mounting of the b dsection on its supporting brackets 86.

eans are provided for maintaining the vertical relationship of theupturned end flaps and tabs while the blank overlies the aperturebetween the section 84 and the guide. To this end, a pair of verticallydisposed spaced guides 96 are suspended by brackets 97 from the loweroverarm 88 and occupy positions which are (see Fig. 2) substantially inlongitudinal alinement with the vertical rear ends of the cam members74.

That portion of each guide 96 which spans the space between the bedsection 84 and the guide 91 is offset outwardly, as at 98, from theplane of the end portions. As a result, when the parts are correctlyadjusted, and the front side of the blank is in abutting engagement withthe stops 93, the tabs F on the blank are held substantially vertical bytheir engagement with the end portions of the guides, while the endflaps D assume a more inclined position relative to the vertical, asdetermined by the offset portions 98 of the guide. This relationship ofthe tabs and end flaps is apparent in Fig. 4.

The plunger mechanism, by which the blank is depressed between the endof the bed section and the front ed e of the guide, comprises a fiatplate 99 0% approximately the size and contour of the bottom area of theblank, which plate is carried at the lower end of a verticallyreciprocating plunger rod 100. The plunger rod is guided in itsmovements by a lower bearing 101 extending forwardly of the loweroverarm 88 and by a vertically alined upper bearing 102 carried by theupper overarm 89. The plunger is actuated in timed relation to theoperation of the associated parts by suitable means, such as a cam 103(Fig. 1) rigid with the main drive shaft 33, which cam is engaged by acam follower 104, carried at the lower end of a vertically extending rod105. A link 106, pivoted as at 107 to an arm 108 carried by the upperoverarm 89, extends between and is pivotally secured to the upper end ofthe rod 105 and the plunger rod 100. Engagement of the cam follower withthe cam is maintained by suitable resilient means, such as the helicalspring 109 adapted, by means of a link fig, to exert adownward pull uponthe rod As the cam follower rides over the cam surface, the plungerplate 99 will be reciprocated in a vertical plane through the spacebetween the bed plate section and the guide. If, therefore, a blank isproperly positioned in overlying relation to said space, the downwardmovement of the plunger carries the blank with it and in so doing turnsbot-h side flaps of the blank upwardly along the lines of the scores A.

By virtue of the different angular positions of the tabs F and end flapsD, as determined by the guides 96, it will be evident that when the sideflaps are folded by the downward movement of the plunger, the tabs Fwill assume a position inside of the end flaps D and in abuttingengagement with the gummed portions D of the end flaps. Therefore, whenthe plunger reaches the end of its downward stroke, the blank is foldedinto box form with the four walls thereof substantially vertical andwith the parts, which are to be adhesively joined, in abutting relation.

The collapsing wwcham'sm The box-collapsing mechanism 30 is arrangedimmediately beneath the folding mechanism 29 and receives the boxtherefrom at the lower end of the plunger stroke. The collapsingmechanism comprises a plurality of separately operating devicessynchronized to act simultaneously upon the vertical walls of the box.These devices include, in the preferred form of the invention, fourrotating cams 111, 112, 113, 114, regularly arranged to engage the sideWalls of the box near each end thereof, and two oppositely disposedlevers or fingers 115 which engage and collapse the end walls of thebox.

The rotating cams are alike, with the exception that two 9f said camsare right hand and the other two are left hand. Referring to Fig. 8,each of the cams is smoothly spiral in form and slopes from a verticallydisposed advancing surface to a horizontally disposed trailing surfacesubstantially with in one circumference about the axis of the cam. Thecams are preferably alined in pairs transversely and longitudinally ofthe machine and are so disposed relative to the folding mechanism thatthe sides of the folded box, as it is moved downwardly, pass and fitrelatively snugly between the vertically disposed advancing surfaces ofthe cams.

Each of the cams is mounted upon a shaft 116 rotating upon a verticalaxis and the direction of rotation of the transversely alined pairs ofcams 111, 114 and 112, 113 is opposite so that at the point of contactof each of the cams with the side of the box, each cam moves toward theadjacent end of the box. Furthermore, one of the cams in each of saidpairs is a right hand cam, the remaining cam being opposite or lefthanded. As a result of this relationship, diagonally disposed cams aresimilar and rotate in the same direction, while adjacent cams areopposite and rotate in opposite directions.

The two forward cams, designated herein as the cams 111 and 114, may beprovided with means for adjusting the position of the blank relative tothe plunger 99 and the guides 96. In this instance, each of the cams 111and 114 carry an upwardly extending fingeg' 159 (Figs. 2, 8 and 13)which is eccentric with respect to the axis of the cam. During a part oftheir rotation, the fingers move into and out of the path of the blankand are in such timed relation with the blank feeding means that, as theblank moves beneath the plunger, the fingers engage the rear side of theblank near each end thereof and push the blank against the stops 93.This engagement is maintained until the plunger has operated to move theblank downwardly.

In driving the four shafts 116, it is essential that positivesynchronism thereof be maintained. In the present instance this isaccomplished by providing a transversely extending cam shaft 117 '(Figs.5 and 8) adjacent and in front of the vertical shafts 116 for the cams111 and 114. A second shaft 118, paralleling the shaft 117, extendsadjacent and in the rear of the shafts 116 for the cams 1.12 and 113.Spiral gears 119, rotatable with the cam shafts 117 and 118, mesh withcomplementary spiral gears 120 on the vertical shafts 116 to drive thecams, the opposite and desired directions of rotation being produced bythe particular formation of the gears which drive each shaft (see F1g.8). Thus, the transversely alined pairs of cams are driven from the sameshafts. The desired synchronism of the four-cams is effected by drivingone shaft from the other in any suitable manner. To this end, a chain121 (Fig. 5), engaging sprockets 122 and 123 on the shafts 117 and 118respectively, drivinglv connects said shafts.

The tops of the vertically disposed portions of the cams carry flangemembers 142 (Fig. 4) extending laterally outwardtherefrom, which flangesare arranged to engage the upper margins of the vertical sides of thebox immediately after the plunger has moved the box between the cams.These engagements prevent the box from moving upwardly with the plungerand exist until after the plunger has been withdrawn out of the way andthe sloping portions of the cam surfaces have moved into collapsingengagement with the box sides.

In order that the machine may be universal within its limits, the fourcams are arranged for adjustment to adapt them for operation upon blanksof varying lengths and widths, and it is preferred that such adjustmentsmay be made without impairing or disturbing the driven synchronism ofthe parts. To this end. the cams are supported entirely from the driveshafts 117, 118 by peculiarly-shaped briwkets 133 (see Figs. 3, 5 and 8)which also serve as end thrust bearings for the spiral gears 119,120. I

The brackets 133 are similar and each comprises a pair of verticallyspaced arms 134 arranged to straddle the hub of the spiral gear 120 andprovide a bearing for the shaft 116. Integrally formed therewith are apair of transversely spaced arms 135 (Fig. 5) which straddle the hub ofthe spiral gear 119 and provide a bearing for the drive shaft 117 or118. The central portion of the bracket between the oppositely extendingpairs of arms 134, and 135 is cut away to permit the gears 119 and 120to mesh. The gears 119 are splined, as at 136 (Figs. 5 and 8) to theshafts 117 or 118, whereby longitudinal movement of each cam assembly onits drive shaft is permitted.

The means for adjusting the cams longitudinally of the machine comprisesa pair of vertically spaced parallel guide-rods 124 supportedlongitudinally of the machine by standards 124 secured to the rearwardlyextending section 22 on the vertical supports of the frame. A similarpair of guide-rods is likewise mounted on the opposite side of themachine.

Each pair of guide rods 124 slidingly receives carriages 125 and 126which are so similar in construction and purpose that only one will bedescribed. Each carriage compr1ses a pair of sleeves 125 slidinglymounted one on each guide rod and connected by an mtegrally formed web125 fashioned to form a bearing for one end of one of the cam shafts 117or 118. Thus, the shafts 117 and 118 are journalled in carriages whichare capable of, guided movement toward and from each otherlongitudinally of the machine.

Each carriage has a lateral boss 127 thereon extending toward the framesection 22. which boss has a transverse bore 128 therein. When thecarriages 125, 126 are mounted on the guide rods, the bores 128 are inaxial alinement to receive screw shafts 129 having right and left handthreads thereon in screw threaded engagement with the bosses 127. Inconsequence, rotation of the screw shafts 129 effects a relativeapproach and separation of the carriages 125 and 126 on the same guides.I

Simultaneous adjusting movement of the carriages is attained bydrivingly connecting the screw shafts 129 by a chain 130 passing aboutsprockets 131 mounted adjacent the rear ends of the screw shafts 129.Said rear ends are preferably journalledin the rear standards 124 andone of the shafts 129 extends through its standard and is squared, as at132, to receive a wrench or the like.

Relative transverse adjustment of the pairs of cams 111, 114 and 112,113 is produced, in this instance, by providing nuts 137 on each of thebrackets 133. Preferably, said nuts are formed integrally with the endsof the transverse bracket arms 135. The nuts 137 have transverselyalined bores therein through which transverse screw shafts 138 pass. Thescrew shafts 138 have right and left hand threads thereon engaging thenuts 137 and are journalled at opposite ends in the webs 125 of thecarriages. Obviously, the shafts must parallel the drive shafts 117 and118 for the cams and simultaneous rotation thereof results from a chain139 engaging alined sprockets 140 on the screw shafts 138. One end ofone of the screw shafts 138 extends beyond its carriage 125 through theadj acent side of the frame and terminates in a wrench receiving squaredportion 141 Suit-' able chain tensioning means 139 (Fig. 6) is providedin connection with the chains 121 and 139 so that the proper tension ofthese chains will be maintained at any position of adjustment.

In addition to serving as a means for adj usting the cams transversely,the transverse screw shafts 138, through their connection with thespiral gear supporting brackets 133, act to maintain a true verticalposition of the cam shafts 116, thereby insuring ample rigidity to theassembly while permitting the cams to be easily and quickly adjusted,either transversely or longitudinally. Furthermore, this manner, ofadjustment does not impair the driven synchronism of the parts, nor isthe general relationship of the cams to the plunger mechanism disturbed.

The levers 115, by which the ends of the box are collapsed, in thepreferred embodiment, are cam actuated for synchronous movement with therotating cams 111, 112, 113 and 114. As clearly shown in Fig. 4, anddescribing only one of the levers, an elongated supporting arm 143 ismounted on a stationary part, such as the upper one of the guide rods124. The arm 143 extends inwardly intermediate the adjacent pair of cams111, 112, or 113, 114 and terminates in a vertically extending portion144 directly underlying the inner edge of the end flap D. This portion144 engages the end flap D of the box as the plunger moves downwardly toturn said flaps into a vertical position. The box-engaging lever 115 ispivoted, as at 145, to the lower part of the vertical portion 144 forswinging movement transversely of the machine between the cams.

A longitudinally extending cam shaft 146 is journalled in brackets 147rigid with the side frame member 23. A cam 148, rigid with the shaft, isengaged by a cam follower 149 mounted on a yoke 150 which, at one end,straddles the cam shaft 146. The other end of the yoke is connected to alink 151 which, in turn, is pivotally connected to the lever 115.Preferably, a pin and slot connection 152 is employed in connecting theyoke and link to permit of adjustment therebetween. A spring 152,interposed between the link 151 and a stationary part, holds thefollower 149 against the cam 148.

The cam shafts 146, by which the levers 115 are swung inwardly andreturned, are synchronously driven (see Figs. 2 and 3), one from theother by a chain153 and alined sprockets 154. A preferred drive for thelever cam shafts 146 comprises a shaft 155 journalled in brackets 155and extending in parallelism with one of said cam shafts 146. The shaft155 is connected to the adjacent cam shaft 146 by a chain 156 passingabout sprockets 157 on the shafts 146 and 155. The shaft 155, in turn,is driven from the main drive shaft 33 through the intermediate bevelgears 158.

Now describing the synchronized operation of the cams 111, 112, 113 and114, and the fingers 115, the parts are in such timed relation that thevertical advancing portion of each cam approaches the box engagingposition as the plunger moves the folded box therebetween. At thisinstant, the levers 115 extend vertically upward along the verticalportion 144 of the lever supporting arm 143. The flanges 142 thenholdingly engage the box margins as the plunger is withdrawn andcontinued movement brings the sloping portions of the cams intoengagement with the sides of the box. Simultaneously, the levers 115 arecaused to move inwardly by the cams 148 and engage the end of the box tocollapse them inwardly.

When the collapsing cams and levers move in proper synchronism, thesides and ends of the box will be collapsed in such manner (see Fig. 13)that the abutting portions of the box, that is, the gummed portions D ofthe end flaps D and the tabs F (Fig. 10), are maintained relativelyimmovable, thereby preventing the adhesive from being spread beyond thedesignated area. It is desirable, however, that the levers 115 move theends of the box inwardly at a slightly greater -rate of speed than thesides are moved. In this manner, the combined action of the cams andlevers folds the end flaps along the lines of the diagonal scores G andpermits the box to be fully and regularly collapsed. Theresultingstructure is illustrated in Fig. 14, wherein it may be clearly seen thatthe sides and ends of the box are collapsed to overlie the bottom of thebox and are within the area hereof.

It should be noted in connection with the canimed collapse of the boxthat the horizontal portions of the cam surfaces move into overlyingengagement with the gummed parts of the box, thereby applying heavypressure directly to the parts to be adhesively joined.

The (.lzlscharging mechanism The discharging mechanism presents certainfeatures of novel construction by which the speed and efliciency of themachine are materially increased. Thus, the mechanism is arran ed toreceive the collapsed hoxes directly from the collapsing mechanismwithout halting the movement of the boxes, changing the direction ofmovement thereof, or releasing .the holding pressure which the cams haveapplied to the gummed parts of the box. Moreover, the arrangement issuch that, if desired the discharging mechanism may be constructed asintegral parts of the collapsing cams and may be driven by the samedriv- 1n means.

n the preferred form, the discharging mechanism comprises four enlargedscrews or worms 160 (Figs. 3, 4 and 8), one-for each of the cams 111,112, 113 and 114. The worms are of substantially the diameter of thecams and the upper surfaces are arranged to register with the horizontalportions of the cams to comprise a continuation thereof. The wormsconsequently can be formed as an integral part of the cams or, ifdesired, as a separate interfitting part. Preferably, the Worms aremounted upon and driven by the vertical shafts 116. Thus, the uppersurfaces of the worms form an abutment upon which the box is depositedby the plunger and the rotation of the cams causes the four corners ofthe collapsed box to pass into the grooves of the worms.

a It will be evident, therefore, that after the cams have once appliedpressure to the .gummed portions of the box, such pressure will bemaintained for a considerable period of time during which the boxes are,in effect, screwed downwardly out of the machine: Preferably, the widthof the worm grooves is determined by the thickness of the collapsed boxportions engaged thereby so that the ap-, plied pressure is constantuntil the boxes are discharged.

It should be noted, in this connection, that the direction of rotationof the cams and worms performs an important auxiliary function. As hasbeen pointed out, each cam (and likewise each worm) has a direction ofrotation toward the adjacent end of the box.

Hence, while a box is passingthrough the worms, a positive pull isexerted on each side of the box to hold the box tightly in the worms andto keep the sides thereof taut. The possibility that the gummed partsmay pull apart during the passage of the box from the machine is,therefore, positively eliminated.

Referring to Fig. 3, the receiving magazine 32 has been illustratedsomewhat diagrammatically as comprising a plurality of verticallysupported rods 161 spaced apart to form a receiver into which the boxesfall as they are released from the worms. It will be obvious, however,that various well-kndwn types of receiving magazines may be used inconnection with the machine.

The driving bonneotz'om All of the machine elements are driven, in thepresent embodiment, from the main drive shaft 33, which, in turn, isconnected by a belt 162 (Fig. 1) with a suitable prime mover such asanelectric motor 163. Sprockets. 164, 165 on the main shaft 33 and thefeed chain shaft 55, respectively, are connected by a chain 166 to drivethe feed chain shaft 55, and a gear train 167, 168 drivingly connectsthe feed roller shaft 36 with the feed chain shaft 55. The shaft 65,which carries the gum applying segments 69, is operatively connected tothefeed roller shaft 36 by alined sprockets 169, 170 and a chain 171 andan interposed gear train 172, 173 between the shaft and the gumming-rollshaft 71 drives the gumming roll in the adhesive reservoir.

The auxiliary fede belt 76 is driven directly from the main drive shaft33 by a sprocket 17 4 rigid with the belt pulley 77, an I In describingthe operation of the mmchine, it will be considered that the feedmagazine 34.- contains a supply of blanks positioned with one side edgeof the blanks foremost and with the scored side of the blanks facingupwardly. As the machine operates, the blanks are delivered successivelyonto the bed of the machine by the feed roll 35 intermediate the feedchains 25 and the overlying guide members 62. Shortly thereafter, thefingers 58 on the feed chains simultaneously enga e the rear sides l(ifthe blank to convey the lank across-the As the blank moves across thebed, it first passes under. the gumming mechanism 26, whereupon thegum-applylng segments 69 contact the portions D (Fig. 10) of the blankand apply a thin coat of adhesive thereto. The blank then moves intoenagement with the elongated cam members 4, which turn the end flap Dand tabs F on each end ofthe blank upwardly along the line of the scoresB, after which operation the blank is engaged by the auxiliary feed andis propelled at an increased rate of speed into the folding mechanism29. During this movement, the eccentric fingers 159 engage the rearsideedge of the blank to adjust the position of the blank against the stops93. Concurrently, the pivoted cam actuated guide 91 has moved from itsdepressed blank receiving position to a position in which the front edgeof the blank is supported in the plane of the bed. As the blank movesinto the folding mechanism, the vertically disposed end flaps D and tabsF engage the guides 96, which hold the end flaps substan tially verticaland allow the end flaps to extend outwardly at an angle to the vertical(Fig. 11).

The plunger now moves downwardly engaging the blank and moving the blankdownwardly at substantially right angles to the line of feeding movementto a position lying intermediate the cams 111, 112, 113 and 114, levers115, and vertical portions 144 of the arms 143. During this movement,the

side flaps C are folded upwardly and the flaps F move into overlappingrelation to the gummed portions D of the end flaps (Fig. 12). As theplunger reaches its lowermost position, the flanges 142 on the cams moveto engage the upper margin of the box and prevent upward movement of thebox as the plunger is retracted.

The cam surfaces of the rotating cams subsequently engage the sides ofthe box and, at the same time, the fingers 115 engage the ends of thebox. Continued movement of these parts eollapsesthe end and side wallsof the box inwardly to a position overlying the base portion thereof. Asthe fingers 115 are retracted, the collapsed box moves into the groovesof the worms 160 and subsequently is discharged therefrom into thereceiving magazine.

While the passage of only one blank through the machine has beendescribed, it is, of course, evident that a succession of blanks followone after another in such timed relation that a blank is delivered tothe plunger mechanism at each revolution of the rotating cams.Consequently, as may be seen in Fig. 8, each of the horizontally alinedgrooves of the discharging wormsengages and carries a collapsed boxdownwardly while maintaining positive pressure on the adhesive juncturesof the box.

,While the invention is susceptible of various modifications andalternative 'constructions, I have shown in the drawings and will hereindescribe in detail the preferred embodiment, but it is to be understoodthat I do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the specific formdisclosed, but intend to cover all modifications and alternativeconstructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention asexpressed in the appended claims I claim as my invention:

1. A box making machine comprising, in combination, a machine framehaving a bed thereon, a supply magazine for box blanks located at oneend thereof, a feeding device for moving blanks successively from saidmagazine to the bed, blank-conveying means adapted-to engage said blanksand move them across the bed, gum applying means for applying anadhesive substance to certain portions of said blanks, means on oppositesides of said bed for folding the end portions of said blanksintorelative vertical positions, a folding device for turning the oppositeside portions of said blanks to relative vertical positions to formboxes, an auxiliary conveyor engaging said blanks upon release thereofby the conveying means for feeding said blanks into the folding device,means for adjusting the blanks relative to the folding device, means foractuating the folding device, box-collapsing means positioned to receivethe folded boxes from said folding device and operable simultaneously tocollapse the side walls of said boxes inwardly thereof to overlie thebottoms of the boxes, and discharging means contiguous to saidcollapsing means for receiving said collapsed boxes therefrom anddischarging said boxes from the machine.

2. A box making machine comprising, in combination, a machine framehaving a bed thereon, a feeding device for moving blanks successivelyacross said bed, means for applying gum to certain portions of saidblank, means on opposite sides of said bed for folding the end portionsof said blank into a relatively angular position, a folding device forturning the opposite side portions of said blank into a relativelyangular position, box collapsing means to collapse the walls of said boxinwardly thereof to overlie the bottom of the box, and discharging meanscontiguous to said collapsing means.

.3. A box making machine comprising, in combination, means for gummingcertain portions of said blank, means for folding the ends of said blankinto relatively angular positions, a folding device for turning theopposite sides of said blank to relatively angular positions, boxcollapsing means operable to collapse the ends and sides of said boxinwardly thereof to overlie the bottom of the box, and means fordischarging said collapsed box from the machine.

4. A machine of the nature disclosed combining, a plurality ofsynchronized instrumentalities arranged to operate in successive stepsupon a box-blank, said instrumentalities including, a gum-applyingmeans, a preliminary folding device for turning the ends of the blank atan angle to the body of the blank, a second folding device for turningthe sides of the blank in the same direction as the ends, guiding meansdetermining the adjacent position of the gummed portions of the blankrelative to parts to be joined theeto, and means for simultaneouslycollapsing the side and end portions of the blank substantially into theplane of the body and applying pressure to the parts to be adhesivelyjoined.

5. In a device of the character described, abox collapsing mechanismadapted to collapse a box having side walls, including a plurality ofrotating cams synchronized to fold certain of the side walls inwardly ofthe box.

6. In a box making machine, the combination of means for folding theside and end portions of a box blank at an angle to the body portion ofthe blank, and means including a plurality of cams for collapsing thesaid portions inwardly to overlie said body portion within theboundaries thereof.

7. In a box makin machine, the combination of means for fol ing the wallportions of a box blank at an angle to the body portion of the blank,rotating cams engaging two opposite walls of said box, and other meansengaging the intermediate walls, said cams and said other means havingsynchronous operative movement to collapse said walls inwardly tooverliesaid body portion within the boundaries thereof.

8. In a box making machine, the combination of means for forming a boxhaving side walls, and a plurality of rotating cams engaging the wallsof said box, said cams being shaped to move said walls into overlyingrelation with respect to the bottom of the box.

. 9. In a box making machine, the combination of means for forming a boxhaving side walls, a plurality of rotating cams engaging the walls ofsaid box, said. cams being shaped to move said walls into overlyingrelation with respect to the bottom of the box, means for synchronouslydriving said cams, and ad justingmeans for said cams operable to varythe distance therebetween while maintaining said synchronous relation.

10. In a box making machine, the combination of means for forming a boxhaving side walls. and means including a plurality of rotating camssubsequently engaging said walls to fold them downwardly insubstantially overlying relation to the bottom of the box within thearea thereof.

11. A box collapsing mechanism of the na- 'ture described adapted tofold the walls of a box into overlying position relative to and withinthe boundaries of the bottom of the box, comprising a plurality ofsynchronously operating cams and fingers operable to effect the foldingmovement of the walls.

12. A box collapsing mechanism of the nature described adapted to foldcertain of the walls of a box into overlying position relative to thebottom, comprising a rotating cam engaging each end of each of saidwalls, said cams being shaped to fold said walls inwardly of anddownwardly adjacent to the bottom of the box during the rotationthereof.

13. A box collapsing mechanism of the nature described adapted to foldcertain of the walls of a box into overlying position relative to thebottom comprising a rotating cam engaging each end of each of saidwalls, said cams being shaped to fold said walls inwardly of anddownwardly adjacent to the bottom of the box during the rotationthereof, and ad- 'justing means for varying the distance between saidcams.

14. A box collapsing mechanism of the nature described comprising fourrotating cams arranged to engage opposed walls of the box near the endsthereof and shaped to fold said walls inwardly into overlying relationto the box bottom, and folding fingers engaging the opposed intermediatewalls of the box and having synchronousoperation with said cams to movethe walls engaged thereby into overlying relation to the box bottom.

15. A box collapsing mechanism of the nature described comprising fourrotating cams arranged to engage opposed walls of the box near the endsthereof and shaped to fold said Walls inwardly into overlying relationto the box bottom, means for adjusting the relative; positions of saidcams with respect to each other, and folding fingers engaging theopposed intermediate walls of the box and hav ing synchronous operationwith said cams to move the walls engaged thereby into overlying relationto the box bottom.

16. In a box making machine, the combination of a folding device, meansfor feeding blanks thereto with the end portions of said blanks inupright position, and means for adjusting the position of said blankrelative to the folding device including guides for the upright portionsof said blanks adapted to maintain certain sections thereof upright andthe remaining sections at an angle with respect to the upright sections.

' 17. In a box making machine, the combination of a folding deviceadapted to operate on box-blanks having two end tabs and an intermediateend flap at opposite sides of the body of the blank, and guides for saidtabs and end flaps comprising means for supporting said tabssubstantially at right angles to the body and other means for supportingsaid end flaps at some angle intermediate the plane of the tabs and theplane. of the body.

18. In a box making machine, the combination of a folding device adaptedto operate upon a box blank having a plurality of separate sections ateach end thereof, means for feeding a blank thereto with said endsections at an angle to the body of the blank, and guides for saidsections comprising elongated members having portions thereof offsetfrom the,norn1al plane laterally away from said folding device, saidguides having such positions relative to said folding device thatcertain of 'said end sections are guidedly receiving said formed blankincluding blank engaging members for effecting adhesion between portionsof the blank to form the box and for folding the walls of said box tolie substantially in the plane of the bottom of said box, and means fordischarging the collapsed box from the machine.

20. A machine of the character described comprising, the combination ofmeans operating upon a box blank to apply adhesive to portions thereofand to fold said blank into the form of a box, means subsequentlyreceiving said formed blank including members engaging the wall portionsof the box for folding simultaneously effecting adhesion betweenportions of the blank to complete the box and the walls of said box tolie substantially in the plane of the bottom of said box, and means fordischarging the collapsed box from the machine, all of said elementshaving synchronized movement to operate on said box as the box movescontinuously from one to the other.

21. In a machine of the character described, the combination of meansfor presenting a box having side walls, and means for collapsing thewalls including a unitary device having a part adapted to fold a wall tolie substantially in the plane of the box bottom, and having a secondpart integral and movable with said first mentioned part and adapted tomove the collapsed box from' the machine.

22. A device for effecting a folding operation upon a box blankcomprising a unitary screw-shaped instrumentality having a fiatoutstanding section adapted fiatwise to engage and effect a foldingoperation upon a part of the blank, and a second section for moving thefolded part away from said first mentioned section.

23. In a machine of the character described, the combination of meansfor presenting a box having side walls, and continuously rotating meansfor collapsing the walls and discharging the box from the machine, saidrotating means comprising a plurality of screw shaped devices, eachhaving an upper cam part adapted to fold a wall from one position toanother and a worm part constituting a helical continuation of said campart.

24. A machine of the nature disclosed combining. a plurality ofsynchronized instrumentalities arranged to operate in successive stepsupon a body blank, said instrumentalities including, a gum-applyingmeans, blank folding means operating upon the sides and ends of theblank to form a box, and means for simultaneously collapsing the boxwalls and applying pressure to the gummed junctures.

25. A machine of the nature disclosed combimng, a plurality ofsynchronized instrumentalities arranged to perform successive steps upona body blank, said instrumentalities including, a gum-applying means,blank folding means operating upon the sides and ends of the blank toform a box, means for simultaneously collapsing the box walls andapplying pressure to the adhesive junctures, and discharging meansconveying said collapsed box from the machine while maintaining saidpressure.

26. A machine of the nature disclosed combining, a plurality ofsynchronized instrumentalities arranged to operate in successive stepsupon a box blank, said instrumentalities including, a gum-applyingmeans, blank folding means operating upon the sides and ends of theblank to form a box, box collapsing means for folding the walls of thebox substantially into the plane of the bottom of the box, anddischarging means for conveying a box from the machine after thecollapsing thereof is entirely completed, said means having continuousengagement with the box through substantially the entire area of thegummed junctures to apply pressure thereto during the dischargingoperation.

27. A box making machine having, in combination, folding means operatingupon a previously gummed blank to form said blank into a box, aplurality of cams positioned to receive said box therebetween and toengage opposed walls of the box, oscillating fingers engaging theintermediate walls of the box, and means for rotating said cams andmoving said fingers in synchronism to fold the walls of said boxsimultaneously substantially into a flat piece.

28. In a box making machine, the combination of folding means operatingon a blank having previously gummed portions thereon to form a blankinto the shape of a box in which said gummed portions abut other portions to be joined thereto, and a plurality of box collapsing devicespositioned to engage the walls of the formed box and fold said wallssubstantially into the plane of the box bottom, and means forsynchronously operating said devices to prevent lateral movement betweenthe related parts of the gummed junctures during the collapsingoperation.

29. In a box making machine, the combination of means for folding andpresenting a box having bottom, side and end walls, rotating camsreceiving said presented box therebetween and positioned to engage theside walls of the box near the ends thereof, said cams being shaped tofold the sides from angular to overlying positions relative to thebottom during rotation thereof, means actuated in synchronism with saidcams to fold the ends in a similar manner, each of said cams having adirection of rotation toward the adjacent end of the box at the point ofcontact therewith.

30. In a box making machine, the combi nation of means for folding andpresenting

